
Booki^C^ 



GEOGRAPHY 



ofcesttv €ounts; 



ly 



FOR YOUNG CHILDREN. 



EMBRACING 



1. A short topographical and historical sketch of every 

town. 

2. A general view of the county, and^ \he employments of 

the people. 

3. A glossary, explaining the geographical and other difficuli 

terms. 




JAMES G. CARTER AND WILLIAM *H. BROOKS. 



WITH A NEW MAf OF THE COUNTY. 



ten are very early capable of describing the places, 
mountains, and rivers, which pass under their inspection." 




LANCASTER: 

CARTER, ANDREWS, AND COMPANY. 
1830. 



i 




AT WORCESTER. 



GEOGRAPHY 

OF 

FOR YOUNG CHILDREN. 

EMBRACING 



%. A short topographical and historical sketch of every 
town. 

2. A general view of the county, and the employments of 

the people. 

3. A glossary, explaining the geographical and other difficult 

terms. 



BY JAMES G. CARTER AND WILLIAM H. BROOKS. 



WITH A NEW MAP OF THE COUNTY. 

" Children are very early capable of describing the places, 
mountains, and rivers, which pass under their inspection." 



LANCASTER : 

CARTER, ANDREWS, AND COMPANY. 
1830. 



P'^^.. .».ifi1^ 



DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS.— fo wit : 

District Clerk's Office. 

BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the twenty-seventh 
day of April, A. D. 1830, in the fifcy-fourth year of the Inde- 
pendence of the United States of America, CARTER, 
ANDREWS, & Co., of the said district, have deposited in 
this ofRce the title of a book, the right whereof they claim 
as proprietors, in the words following, to wit : 

" A Geography of Worcester County 5 for young children, 
containing, 1. A topographical and historical sketch of every 
town. 2. A general vie w of the county and the employments 
of the people. 3. A glossary, explaining the geographical, 
and other difficult terms. By James G. Carter and Wil- 
liam H. Brooks. With a new MAP of the County. 
' Children are very early capable of describing the places^ 
mountains, and rivers, which pass under their inspection.' " 

In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United 
States, entitled " An Act for the encouragement of learning, 
by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books to the au- 
thors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein 
mentioned :" and also to an Act entitled " An Act supple- 
mentary to an Act entitled An Act for the encouragement 
of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books 
to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the 
times therein mentioned} and extending the benefits thereof 
to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical 
and other prints." 

J^rO W DAVIS SCUrk of the District of 
JiNU. w. UAV1&, ^ Massachusetts. 



PRESS OP CARTER, ANDREWS, AND CO LANCASTER. 



<^^<^ 



PREFACE, 



To parents and guardians of children in the County of 
Worcester this geographical and historical account of that 
large and populous district of Massachusetts is presented, 
in the belief that it is adapted to promote there the interests 
of early education. Assuming the principle that " we 
need to know most of the places which are nearest to us" 
and that the amount of our knowledge of the various parts 
of the earth's surface, should be graduated, other things be- 
ing equal, by their vl stance from us, it is proposed that ge- 
ographical educatioi ' ^ conducted with a view to this re- 
sult. At a very tender age, therefore, as soon as the young 
mind has power enough to understand the ideas conveyed 
to us by the terras hill, valley^ plain, and stream, the child 
should begin the study of geography, and begin it with his 
own town. Having fully acquainted himself with the ge- 
ography of his own town, he should proceed to the remain- 
ing towns of his own county and, growing less and less par- 
ticular as he advances, pass from towns to counties, and 
then in order to states, countries, and continents. 'J'he pu- 
pil should also examine on a map the situation of every 
place of which he may be learning an account, and for the 
sake of still greater precision in his knowledge and for a use- 
ful mental discipline, should draw the shape of each. 

Beginning, tlierefore, with their own town, children will 
he gratified with learning a description of wriat it contains 
and will even be led to think what other information thev 
can add to the account themselves. And without doubt 



i^ PREFACE. 

they will feel a strong curiosity to know whether the 
streams, hills,.and fertile valleys of their own town belong 
also to the towns adjoining, and to compare the employ- 
ments of the respective inhabitants of the two places, their 
publick institutions, and their importance as shown by 
their population. Especially will their interest be roused 
(the remark springs from long and various experience) on 
finding themselves able to sketch with neatness the shape 
of their own towns and other towns, to trace out the courses 
of streams and roads, and to mark the actual position of 
churches, factories, hills and ponds. The child's interest 
in the study being thus auspiciously excited, will not fail to 
be sustained in his progress through the county, if he have 
tolerably faithful and judicious instruction. By the time 
he has completed this thorough survey of his own county 
he will have gained an amount of information, which is not 
only not now acquired by children, but is very rarely pos- 
sessed by men, respecting what it most nearly concerns 
him to be familiar with, viz : the portion of his own coun- 
try immediately around him. He will have had his memory 
exercised, as it ought always to be, in strict alliance with the 
understanding. He will have begun in due season to try 
his judgment, and to educate it to activity and accuracy by 
its numerous trials, in estimating proportions and compar- 
ing the importance of towns. He will also have obtained 
unconsciously an important control over his power of at- 
tention. These fruits of the study are predicted with con- 
fidence because in repeated instances they have already 
been produced. 



DIRECTIONS TO PARENTS AND TEACHERS. 



The pupil should be provided with a geography and map 
of Worcester County, and a small black board 18 inches 
long by 15 broad. If this cannot be easily procured a slate 
and pencil will very well answer the purpose. Let his 
attention first be directed to the map and inform him that 
the top is north, the bottom south, the right hand east,'and 
the left hand west. Let him find on the map the town 
where he resides, and observe carefully its shape, its ponds, 
its rivers, and its mountains. All these he is to draw from 
the map upon his small black board with chalk, and to draw 
them over and over again, till he can do it accurately from 
his memory alone. Next the boundaries of the town are to 
be learned. The pupil may then leave the map and see 
what is said of the town in the geography. He will find 
the town in its alphabetical place among the towns of the 
county. To show the pupil that he can understand the 
whole matter, and that it is one of his own concern, he may 
be encouraged to consider what things there may be wor- 
thy of notice in the town besides those mentioned in the 
book, as mills, or factories, ponds, streams, hills, or moun- 
tains. 

For recitations a large black board should be used at least 
three feet wide and three and a half feet long. This should 
be so placed that the pupil, standing before it, may have 
his face to the north ; when, of course, his right hand will 
be to the east, his back to the south, and his left band to 



VI PREFACE. 

the west. If the class consist of several, let one be direct- 
ed to draw the northern line of the town boundary. An- 
other may be invited to criticise the execution, and then 
another may give his opinion. It may then with advantage 
be submitted to the judgment of the whole class, that any 
one who can detect an inaccuracy, may expose it. Let the 
eastern boundary now be drawn and subjected to the same 
critical examination and amendment j and so of the other 
lines. A member of the class may then name the towns 
on the borders, marking the place of each, mentioning its 
direction from the town drawn, and pointing to its actual 
position with reference to the place he stands in. Tiie 
streams, ponds, and roads being laid down, one of the pu- 
pils should be required to leave the drawing and point 
towards the ponds, and signify also by pointing the actual 
direction of the streams and roads as they pass through the 
town. Questions may now be asked to elicit all other in- 
formation that has been obtained respecting the town. The 
facts as they are elicited should be as much as possible 
connected with the drawing. If there be churches, a bank, an 
academy, or factories in the town, let their position be mark- 
ed ; and when the number of inhabitants is mentioned, let 
the most thickly settled part or parts of the town be marked. 
The second lesson maybe one of the adjoining towns, or 
two, if their lines can be easily drawn, and the matter to be 
learned from the geography be small in amount. And in 
this lesson also the personal knowledge of the pupil or any 
other sources of information may be advantageously appliej} 
to. At reciting this lesson, the shape of the town or towns 
may be drawn on a variety of scales, This exercise will be 
exceedingly useful, as a severe discipline of the mind is in- 
volved in producing accurate proportions. And the class 
should be kept constantly on the alert in judging of the 
truth of the proportions between the several lines drawn by 
their companion. When greater ease bas been acquired in 



PREFACE. Vll 

drawing, and several towns can be despatched at a lesson, 
there will be a wider field for this exercise in adjusting the 
relative size and shape of different towns. Let the class 
thus pass through their county, taking for their lessons 
groups of contiguous towns. Their lessons may be length- 
ened with their increasing ability, and there should be are- 
view for every four or five exercises. On the completion of 
the county let the drawing of the whole of it be assigned 
as a separate lesson ; or if this be too much, let there be 
reviews of the towns till they can be all drawn promptly, 
with the hills and streams, and an entire map of the county 
be formed. Meanwhile the pupil may be put upon the 
■General View of the county, always connecting his les- 
BO^^s with exercises in drawing for the benefit of direct ref- 
erence. Thus, when engaged upon the part relating to 
Towns, he may mark the largest and most populous ; when 
upon thatgpart respecting Inhabitants he may point out the 
portions wnere the people are employed in manufactures, 
when upon the Rivers and Mountains he may draw them ; 
and when learning the History he may mark whatever places 
in the county may be there mentioned. 

The pupil should be taught to turn to the list of defini- 
tions at the end of the book for all difficult terms, and to ap- 
ply to his instructer if he do not find them there. Regular 
and close examinations by the teacher into his knowledge 
of the meaning of these terms will accomplish, in this re- 
spect, all that is desirable. 

Parents and teachers need not hesitate to undertake to 
teach this system of geography to their children and pupils, 
merely because they have never been so taught themselves. 
If they possess only a moderate interest in the subject of 
education, or the progress of the children under their care, 
they may begin according to the above directions, with per- 
fect confidence that they will find themselves competent to 
every essential duty, which will be required of them. 



• • 



^" 



PARTICULAR VIEW 

OF 

WORCESTER COUNTY, 



Aslihurnliam. The land in this town was 
given by the General Court to certain inhabi- 
tants of Dorchester, in Norfolk County, for 
their services against the French, in Canada, 
about 140 years ago. The town lies upon the 
high lands between Connecticut and Merrimack 
Rivers, so that part of its waters pass through 
Miller's River into the Connecticut, and part 
through Nashua River into the Merrimack. It 
is uneven in its surface, and contains several 
large ponds. Here are excellent farms and 
grazing lands, and the inhabitants are chiefly 
employed in agriculture. Leather has been 
extensively manufactured here, and a Soap- 
To what persons did the General Court give the land in 
Vshburnham, and what had they done to deserve it ? How 
s the town situated? Where do its waters flow? What 
s said of its surface, and what does it contain 1 What ac- 
count is given of the land in Ashburnham ? What is the 
)usiness of the people ? What is manufactured here ? 



^ PARTICULAR VIEW OF 

Stone Company has been formed to carry on 
their works in this town. Population 1230. 

Athol is a small, hilly township lying on Mil- 
ler's River. The first white inhabitants of this 
place were for several years obliged to live in 
garrisons, and have their guns by them when 
they were at work, for fear of the Indians. A 
cotton factory was built here during the late 
war between England and the United States, 
and has been doing well since that time. It is 
also a place of considerable mechanical busi- 
ness. Population 1211. 

Barre. This is a large township of excellent 
land, well watered by Ware River and several 
small streams which flow into it in different 
parts of the town. The inhabitants are chiefly 
employed in agriculture, and the farmers, many 
of whom are thrifty and even rich, are noted for 
the great quantity of excellent butter and cheese 
sent by them to Boston and to other markets. 
This town was named in honour of Col. Barre, 

What company has been formed ? Mention the popula- 
tion. 

What is the size, surface, and situation of Athol ? How 
did the first settlers use to live, and why did they live so 1 
What factory does the tov/n contain ? What business is 
carried on there to a considerable extent ? What is the 
population 7 

Give an account of the township of Barre. What is the 
chief employment of the people ? What is said of the far- 



WORCESTER COUNTY, O 

a great friend of this country in England, at the 
time of the Revolution. Population 2077. 

Berlin. This small township was taken 
chiefly from Bolton, but partly also from Marl- 
borough, in Middlesex County. A range of 
hills rises in the v/estern part of the town, and 
extends north into Bolton and south into North- 
borough. A quarry in the north part of tlie 
town affords valuable building stone. Popula- 
tion 625. 

Bolton. The Bolton ridge of hills, which is 
between two and three hundred feet above the 
level of Nashua River, lies in the west part of 
this town, and divides the streams which flow 
into Nashua River from those of the Assabet. 
This township, which was taken from Lancas- 
ter, was originally pretty extensive, and con- 
tained most of the town of Berlin. Limestone 
abounds in the eastern part of the town, and 
more than fifteen thousand bushels of quicklime, 
or lime, as it is commonly called, of the best 

iners, and for what are they distinguished ? Why was this 
town called Barre ? Mention the population. 

To wliat two towns did the land in Berlin formerly be- 
long ? What is said of the hills in this town ? Wliat is 
there in the north part of Berlin 1 What is the population ? 

Give some account of the Bolton Hills. What is said of 
the history of Bolton ? What mention is made of the quick- 
lime prepared here annually '.' How is the limestone chang- 
ed into quicklime ? What is the population of Bolton ? 

a2 



-i PARTICULAR VIEW OF 

quality are prepared annually for the supply of 
the neighboring towns. The hard limestone is 
taken from the earth and put into a large square 
place, with walls of stone. A great fire is 
made beneath, as in a brick kiln. The lime- 
stone, exposed to a strong heat, grows soft and 
begins to crumble : it is then taken out by an 
iron door and is ready to be made into mortar. 
Population 1229. 

Boylston was thus named out of respect for 
the family of Boylstons, which has been much 
distinguished. Nashua River passes through 
the north part of this town, having fine interval 
lands upon its banks, and affording several ex- 
cellent mill privileges partly occupied by mills 
and factories. Population 902. 

Brookfield was settled very early by people 
from Ipswich, in Essex County, and once em- 
braced the present town of North Brookfield. 
It was for a long time a solitary settlement, be- 
ing situated about half-way between the old 
towns on Connecticut River and those on the 
east towards the Atlantic coast. The inhabi- 

VVhy was Boylston so named ? Whal is said of Nashua 
River in its course through this town ? Mention the popu- 
lation. 

When and by whom was Biook field settled ? What was 
its situation for a loag time V What were the sufferings of 



WORCESTER COUNTY. O 

tants suffered frequently and severely from the 
incursions of the Indians, In an attack at the 
breaking out of King Philip's war in 1675, the 
savages destroyed all the houses but one which 
was hastily and slightly fortified, and compelled 
the terrified inhabitants to run to that for safety. 
Here they defended themselves against the In- 
dians for four days till they were relieved by 
troops from Lancaster. During the whole four 
days a constant firing was kept up between the 
inhabitants in the house and the savages, who 
closely beset it on every side. Several attempts 
were made by the Indians to set fire to the fort. 
At one time they filled a cart with hemp and 
other combustibles, and having set fire to it en- 
deavored to run it against the house ; but the 
design was defeated by a timely shower of rain, 
which extinguished the flames. 

Brookfield is watered by Chickopee River 
and some of its small tributary streams. Po- 
dunk Pond in the south part of the town, has a 
surface somewhat more than a square mile in 
extent, duaboag Pond in the west parish 
affords iron ore. Or e is also found in the bogs 

the inhabitants ? Describe the attack on the town in 1775, 
and its defence. By what streams is the town watered ? 
What ponds are there in the town ? What ore is found here, 
and for what purpose is it used ? What does tiie town con- 
tain ? Mention its population. 

A 8 



6 PARTICULAR VIEW OF 

and marshes of the neighbourhood, and is smelt- 
ed and cast into hollow ware, stoves, &c. by 
the Worcester and Brookfield Iron Foundery. 
Brookfield contains a large printing establish- 
ment, and a female academy. Population 2292. 

Charlton originally belonged to Oxford, of 
which it formed the western part. The lands 
of this township were at first thought of very lit- 
tle value, being rough and hard of cultivation. 
Charlton is now a large agricultural town, of a 
strong soil, well watered by springs and small 
streams, though it has no river of importance 
passing through its territory. Population, 2 J 84. 

Dana. This township was composed of a 
part of Greenwich in Hampshire County, of the 
north part of Hardwick and the southeast part 
of Petersham. Dana is one of the smallest 
towns in the county both in territory and popu- 
lation. It is watered by two branches of Swift 
River, one in the northeast and the other in the 
southeast part of the town. Population 664. 

Douglas was an original grant ; that is, the 
land in it was given away by the General Court 

From what township was Charlton separated 1 What was 
the opinion of people at first about the lands in this town ? 
Describe tlie present situation of the town. Wliat is the 
population ? 

To what towns did Dana once belong 1 What is said of 
its importance ? What streams water the land in the town ? 
Mention its population. 



WORCESTER COUNTY. / 

and not taken from any other town. It con- 
tains some excellent interval lands on Mumford 
River, which passes through the north part of 
the town, and empties into the Blackstone in 
Uxbridge. Population 1375. 

Dudley contains several Indians, the remains 
of the Nipmucks, who once occupied this region. 
French and Q,uineboag Rivers, both considera- 
ble streams, pass in a southerly course through 
this town. They afford a great amount of wa- 
ter power, which has been so extensively used 
for factories as to make Dudley one of the larg- 
est manufacturing towns in the county. Five 
companies^ with an aggregate capital of more 
than half a million of dollars, have their works 
in this town for the manufacture of cotton and 
woollen goods. The lands are well watered, 
fertile, and generally well cultivated. The rais- 
ing of wool has been undertaken here with con- 
siderable zeal. One farmer, who is also a wool- 
len manufacturer, has kept a flock of five hund- 
red sheep. Population 1615. 

What is said of the origin of Douglas ? What river pas- 
.«es through the town, and what is the quality of the laud on 
its banks 1 What is the population 1 

What mention is made of the Indians in Dudley ? What 
streams pass through this town ? How much is their water 
power used 1 How many companies have been formed 
here, and what goods do they manufacture ? What is said 
of the lands in Dudley ? Of the raising of wool ? What is 
the population ? 



O PARTICULAR VIEW OF 

Fitchhurg was originally a part of Lunen- 
burg. Several streams unite in this town and 
form the north branch of Nashua River. The 
falls on the smaller streams, as well as those on 
the main one, afford excellent mill privileges. 
The town has had a quick and prosperous 
growth, owing chiefly to the numerous factor- 
ies that have been built within ten or fifteen 
years. Within the distance of two miles on 
Nashua River there are three cotton and two 
woollen factories, several small mills for differ- 
ent purposes, and a window-blind manufactory, 
in which 4000 are annually made, and sent to 
Boston. Rollstone Hill, near the principal vil- 
lage of the town, rises about 800 feet above the 
river at its base, and is as far as has been dis- 
covered one entire mass of granite. Great 
quantities of stone for steps and underpinning 
have been quarried and wrought here for the 
supply of this and the neighbouring towns. 
The population of Fitchburg in 1820 was 1736 ; 
but since that time the activity and enterprise 
of the people have very much increased the busi- 

To what tovvn did Fitchburg once belong 1 What is said 
of the streams in this tovvn and the falls upon them ? What 
has been the growth of the town ? What factories are there 
in Fitchburg 1 What mention is made of Rollstone Hill ? 
For what purpose has its granite been used ? What is the 
population of Fitchburg ? 



WORCESTER COUNTY. Vl 

ness and importance of the place, so that it now 
probably contains over 2000 inhabitants. 

Gardner was taken from the four next towns, 
Templeton, Winchendon, Ashburnham and 
Westminster, a corner from each. It was nam- 
ed in honor of Col. Gardner, who fell in the bat- 
tle of Bunker Hill. The soil is moist and well 
fitted for mowing and pasturage. Population 
911. 

Grafton. Through the southwest corner of 
this town pass the Blackstone River and Canal. 
One of the principal tributary streams to that 
river flows through the west part of Grafton, and, 
by a fall of more than fifty feet, supplies unfail- 
ing water power to extensive works for the man- 
ufacture of cotton, linen, and woollen goods. 
Here were once a great many Christian Indi- 
ans, who had houses in the English fashion 
and a meeting-house. Of these Hassanainisco 
Indians a few remain, who have funds to the 
amount of $800. The town has increased con- 
siderably since 1820, but had then 1 154 inhab- 
itants. 

How was the township of Gardner formed? To whom 
does it owe its name ? What is its soil ? What is tlie pop- 
ulation ? 

What river and canal pass tlirough Grafton 1 Wliat is 
said of a stream in the west part of the town ? What men- 
tion is made of the Indians who once lived here, and of 
those who now do ? What has been the growth of the town ? 



10 PARTICULAR VIEW OF 

Hardwick, on the western border of Worces- 
ter County, has Ware River, with some valuable 
interval land, on its southeastern boundary. 
The soil of the town is good, suitable for graz- 
ing land and for orchards. There are iron 
works in Hardwick to which iron ore is sent 
from Brookfield. The township was purchased 
of the Indians for about 70 dollars, by people 
from Roxbury, in Norfolk County. Population 
1836. 

Harvard was so named in memory of John 
Harvard, founder of Harvard College. It is 
chiefly an agricultural town, bounded on the 
west by Nashua River, which separates it from 
Lancaster and Shirley. The town contains a 
family of Shakers, consisting of about two hun- 
dred. This sect of christians is chiefly distin- 
guished from others by their not allowing of 
marriage and their owning all property in com- 
mon. They are mostly employed in agriculture, 
though they manufacture many kinds of small 

What is the situation of Hardwick and what is the quality 
of its land lying on Ware River ? To what agricultural 
purposes is the soil particularly adapted ? Where do the 
iron works in Hardwick procure their ore ? Where did the 
people come from who first purchased Hardwick of the In- 
dians, and what did they pay for it ? Mention the popula- 
tion of the town ? 

Why was Harvard so named? What are the character 
and situation of the town ? What remarkable people have 
a family in this town ? How do the Shakers differ from cth- 



WORCESTER COUNTY. 11 

articles which meet with a ready sale. They 
pay great attention to the raising of garden seeds, 
and these have a high reputation. The Shak- 
ers appear to possess all the necessaries and 
many of the comforts of life, and though simple 
in their manners, are remarkably hospitable to 
strangers and visiters. The Shaker village, 
which has a very neat and beautiful appearance, 
lies in the northeast part of the town, near the 
borders of Littleton. The society own a large 
tract of highly cultivated and productive land, 
which extends northward from their village into 
Groton. They form one of the school districts 
of the town, and support schools for the instruc- 
tion of children, taught by members of their own 
society. Population of the town 1597. 

Holden was taken from Worcester. It has 
the Quinepoxet River passing through it, on 
which are a machine factory and two cotton fac- 
tories, together with several small mills for dif- 
ferent purposes. In this town is Stone House 
Hill, whose steep and rocky sides were once 
famous for rattlesnakes. Popu lation 1402. 

er sects ? Give an account of their employments. What 
seems to be their condition ? How is their village situa- 
ted ? What is said of their lands and schools ? Mention 
the population of Harvard. 

To what town did Holden once belong ? What is said of 
Quinepox6t River ? What hill is there in the town ? What 
is the population ? 



12 PARTICULAR VIEW OP 

Huhhardsion is an extensive township, situa- 
ted on the elevated lands in Worcester County 
between Connecticut River and the ocean. 
The ridge rises here to the height of more than 
1000 feet above the Connecticut, and sends to 
Ware River several considerable tributary 
streams. This township was taken from Rut- 
land. Population 1307. 

Lancaster has a strikingly beautiful situation 
on Nashua River, whose north and south 
branches meet near the centre of the town. 
This stream annually overflows the extensive 
intervals on its banks, and enriches their al- 
ready productive soil. Besides the river there 
are ten ponds in different parts of the town. 
Interesting specimens of minerals are found 
here, and a large slate quarry was once worked 
for the supply of the Boston market, but has 
long lain neglected, because the slate if worked 
will not aiford a profit. There are a great many 
mechanics in the town, and comb making, and; 
letterpress and copperplate printing, and book- 

What are the size and situation of Hubbardston ? How 
high are the lands in this town, and to what streams do they 
give rise ? To what town did Hubbardston once belong ? 
What is the population ? 

How is Lancaster situated ? What effect has the Nashua 
on the fertility of its banks ? Hov/ many ponds are there in 
the town ? What mention is made of minerals and of the 



WORCESTER COUNTY. 13 

binding are carried on to a considerable extent. 
Beautiful engravings on copper and steel have 
been executed here. There are also tvi^o facto- 
ries for making cotton cloth. 

Lancaster was settled in 1643, and is the 
most ancient town in the county. It once in- 
cluded the towns of Sterling and Leominster, 
and part of Berlin, Bolton, Harvard, and the 
two Boylstons. It was a celebrated Indian 
town, inhabited by the Nashua tribe, and its 
territory was at diiferent times purchased of the 
natives. Being for a long time farther west 
than any other settlement in the state but Spring- 
field, it suffered severe and repeated losses both 
of property and life from the hostility of the sav- 
ages. In February 167G, the most destructive 
attack on the town was made by King Philip, a 
celebrated Indian chief, with 1500 warriors, 
among whom were the Nashuas. Coming upon 
the town in five divisions, they burned the de- 
fenceless houses, killed some of the inhabitants, 
and at length assaulted the house of the Rev. 
Mr. Rowlandson, which was fortified. Forty two 
people were here collected who defended the 

slate quarry in this town ? Give an account of the business 
of Lancaster. When was the town settled ? What was its 
original extent ? Who once inhabited it ? To what suffer- 
ings did its situation for a long time expose it ? Give an 
account of the attack on the town in 1676. Describe the 



14 PARTICULAR VIEW OF 

house for two hours, till it was set on fire in the 
back part, where it was unfortified, by a cart fil- 
led with flax and hemp set in a blaze and rolled 
against it. The miserable people were soon forc- 
ed to come out, and of the whole number only one 
escaped ; the rest were either killed or made pris- 
oners. Among the captives was Mrs. Rowland- 
son, who after having been shot through was 
compelled by the savages to go with them a long 
journey through the wilderness to the vicinity 
of Bellows Falls in New-Hampshire. After re- 
maining with them more than eleven weeks, suf- 
fering extreme distress from her wound and 
from hunger, she was ransomed at last for about 
70 dollars and restored to her family. 

Lancaster contains an academy and 1862 in- 
habitants. 

Leicester was not taken from any other town, 
but the land was given to several people by the 
General Court. Before its settlement, a hermit 
used to live here in a cave'which he dug in a 
hill, called, from his name, Carey's Hill. The 
marks of the cave are still to be seen. The 
town lies upon very elevated land and sends a 

captivity and sufferings of Mrs. Rowlandson. What does 
Lancaster contain ? 

What was the origin of Leicester ? Who lived here he- 
fore its settlement ? What is the situation of the town and 



WORCESTER COUNTY. 15 

tributary stream to Chickopee River on the 
west ; one to French River in a southerly di- 
rection, and one to the Blackstone eastwardly. 
Extensive woollen factories have been built here, 
which belong to a company who also own mills 
in Framingham, in Middlesex County. A large 
scythe factory is in operation here ; and five ex- 
tensive tanneries produce a great income to the 
town. Cards have been for a long time very 
extensively made here. There are now ten es- 
tablishments in the town for their manufacture, 
and two hundred thousand dollars worth are es- 
timated to be made annually. Leicester con- 
tains a bank, and a highly respectable academy. 
The academy is one of the oldest and richest 
institutions of the kind in the state, and has had 
many pupils and been generously encouraged 
by the public. Population 1252. 

Leominster was originally a part of Lancas- 
ter, and till it became a distinct town was cal- 
led Lancaster New Grant. The township con- 
tains several swells of strong and excellent land ; 

to what streams does it give rise ? What is said of the fac- 
tories and tanneries of Leicester ? To what extent is the 
manufacture of cards carried 1 What institutions does Lei- 
cester contain ? What mention is made of its academy '/ 
What is the population ? 

From what town was Leominster taken, and what was it 
called before its separation 1 What is said of the land in 



16 



PARTICULAR VIEW OF 



though the eastern part of it, through which 
Nashua River passes, has extensive plains and 
tracts of interval. Five paper mills are in op- 
eration in the town, employing over fifty people, 
although the amount of labor has been recently 
much lessened by the use of machinery. The 
several mills produce paper to the amount of 
forty thousand dollars annually. The town has 
been distinguished many years for the manu- 
facture of horn and shell combs. There are 18 
manufactories, employing 200 people, and pro- 
ducing over one hundred thousand dollars worth 
of the article annually. Population 1790. 

Lunenhurg is an ancient town and once in- 
cluded the more thrifty town of Fitchburg, 
which now bounds it on the west. The lands 
are elevated, and the hills afford the best soil in 
the town. The people are chiefly engaged in 
agriculture, though printing and book binding 
are carried on to a considerable extent. Pop- 
ulation 1209. 

the town ? How many paper mills are there in Leominster, 
and how many people employed in them 1 To what extent 
is paper annually manufactured ? What else is manufoc- 
tured here .^ How many comb factories are there in the 
town, and how many people employed in them ? What is 
the population ? 

What is said of the history of Lunenburg ? Of its lands ? 
How are the people chiefly employed 1 Mention the pop- 
ulation. 



WORCESTER COUNTY. 17 

Mendon, situated in the southeast corner of 
Worcester County, is the oldest town in it ex- 
cept Lancaster, and the largest in population 
except Worcester and Brookfield. The first 
settlement was made here by people from Rox- 
bury, in Norfolk County. At the breaking out 
of Philip's war in 1675, the town was attacked 
by the Indians. Several of the inhabitants were 
killed and the remainder compelled to abandon 
the settlement for a time and remove to places 
of greater safety. Mendon now possesses al- 
most unequalled advantages as a manufacturing 
town, having Mill River passing through its 
whole length from north to south, and Black- 
stone River crossing the south partof it just be- 
fore it enters the State of Rhode Island. The 
Blackstone Canal, on the banks of Blackstone 
River, passes near the principal manufactories 
and gives them easy communication with the 
interior of the county and with tide water at 
Providence, in Rhode Island. These natural 
and artificial advantages have within a few years 
been so well improved as to give Mendon the 
first rank in Worcester County in manufactures. 

What mention is made of the history and size of Mendon ? 
By whom was the first settlement made ? How did the 
early inhabitants suffer from the Indians ? What advanta- 
ges does the town possess for manufactures ? How has it 



18 PARTICULAR VIEW OF 

A bank was established in the town in 1827. 
The population in 1820 was 2254, but has since 
so much increased as probably to make Men- 
don second in population in the county. 

MiUhury. This township once formed apart 
of Sutton. The Blackstone River passes 
through the town, and the Blackstone Canal is 
here carried over the river at the falls. Cotton 
and woollen factories have been established here, 
and extensive works for the manufacture of guns 
and scythes have been for many years in suc- 
cessful operation. Excellent quarries of granite 
for building purposes are found in the township 
and wrought. The town contains a bank, and 
at the I'ast census had 926 inhabitants. The 
number of inhabitants has since much increas- 
ed. 

Alilford was once a part of Mendon, and con- 
tinued to be a parish of that town about 40 
years. Though not very hilly, the land rises in 
some places, especially towards the north. Mil- 
ford is a farming town, watered by Charles Riv- 

improved them ? What institution does the town contain ? 
Wiiat is the population ? 

To what town did Millbury formerly belong ? What riv- 
er passes through the town ? What is said of tlie canal in 
this place ? VVhat of the manufactures ? Of the quarries 
of granite ? VVhat does the town contain ? 

What is the early history of Milford ? What is the sur- 
face of the township '! What is the business of the people 



WORCESTER COUNTY. 19 

er, which passes through the east part of it, and 
by Mill River which passes through the west 
part. The town contains an academy, recently 
established. Population 1160. 

Neio-Braintrec. This township was compos- 
ed of a tract of land granted by the General 
Court to certain inhabitants of Braintree, in 
Norfolk County, together with a part of Brook- 
field and a part of Hard wick. It is uneven in 
its surface, but is a fine grazing town, and is dis- 
tinguished for the excellence of its butter and 
cheese, which are sent chiefly to the Boston 
market. Population 888. 

Northhorough was once a part of Westbor- 
ough, which was itself taken from Marlborough 
in Middlesex County. This part of Marlbor- 
ough was very early settled, and a garrison used 
to be kept in one of the houses for fear of the 
Indians. The savages once saw two women at 
a distance from the fortified house, and pursuing 
them, overtook one, and killed and scalped her. 
The Indians were themselves soon chased to 



of Milford 1 What rivers pass through the town ? What 
does it contain? 

What mention is made of the history of New-Braintree ? 
For what is the town distinguished ? What is its popula- 
tion ? ^ ^ 

To what town did Northhorough formerly belong ? Give 
an account of the early history of the town. What is said 



20 PARTICULAR VIEW OF 

Sterling, and there attacked and defeated after 
a bloody battle. This is a township of good 
land ; the interval on Assabet River especially 
is very productive. Considerable mechanical 
business is done here ; there is also a large 
tannery, and a manufacturing establishment 
which produces eighty thousand yards of cotton 
and woollen cloths annually. Population 1018. 

Northhridge was taken almost entirely from 
Uxbridge. The Blackstone Canal passes 
through this town on the west bank of Black- 
stone River. The south part of the township 
is also watered by Mumford River. The banks 
of the rivers aiford some good interval lands, but 
the township is not otherwise of the first quality. 
Several factories for the manufacture of cotton 
and woollen goods have been established here. 
Population 905. ' 

North-BrooJcfield has recently been separated 
from Brookfield to which it formerly belonged, 
and with which it suffered all the trials and 
hardships of an early frontier settlement. It 

of the township ? Of the business of the place ? What is 
the population ? 

To what town did Northbridg-e once chiefly belong? 
What canal and rivers pass through the town ? What is said 
of the soil of the town ? Of the manufactures ? What is 
the population ? 

To what township did North-Brookfield once belong ? 



WORCESTER COUNTY. 21 

has an agreeable appearance and is a fine agri- 
cultural town, having also a small woollen fac- 
tory. Population 1095. 

Notown. A gore of land generally called by 
this name lies between Leominster, Fitchburg, 
Westminster, and Princeton, but does not be- 
long to either of them, nor to any other town. 
It contains a few families, but is generally un- 
improved. Parts of the tract, however, are us- 
ed for grazing lands by their owners, who gen- 
erally reside at a distance from it. 

Oakham is a small rough township, set off 
from the town of Rutland, which bounds it on 
the east. It lies^upon very elevated land and 
gives rise to a branch of Chickopee River. The 
village contains several mills, a trip hammer, 
clothiers' works and a cotton factory. Popula- 
tion 986. 

Oxford contains valuable plain and meadow 
lands, and high grounds with a soil fitted for graz- 
ing. It is well watered by French River which 
passes through the town in a southerly direction, 

What mention is made of its appearance and business 1 
What is its population ? 

Give an account of Notown. 

To what town did Oakham formerly belong ? What is 
said of the township and of its situation? What mills and 
factories are there in the village '? Mention the population. 

What are the soil and surface of Oxford ? What is the 
course of French River through the town ? Give an account 

b2 



22 



PARTICULAll VIEW OF 



and supplies valuable mill privileges. It was first 
occupied by 30 families of French Protestants, 
who being barbarously persecuted in their own 
country, on account of their religion, came here 
to enjoy the rights of conscience. Not many 
years after the settlement was formed, it was 
broken up in consequence of an attack by the 
Indians, who killed several of the inhabitants 
and so terrified the rest that they abandoned 
the place, went to Boston, and never returned. 
The town was afterwards again occupied by 
English settlers. It contains factories for mak- 
ing pins and cotton cloths, a bank, and 1562 
inhabitants. 

Paitoji. About half of this town was taken 
from Leicester and the remainder from Rut- 
land. Hasnebumskit Hill, lying chiefly in this 
town, but partly in Holden, is the highest land 
in the county except Wachusett Mountain in 
Princeton. The waters of a certain spring not 
far from the meeting-house, after running a short 
distance, divide, a part taking an easterly direc- 
tion through Nashua River to the Merrimack, 
and a part passing through Chickopee River to 

of the first settlement of the town ? How was it broken up ? 

Who next settled in the town ? What does Oxford contain ? 

Of wliat towns did Paxton once form a part? What is 

§aid of Hasnebumskit Hill ? What natural curiosity is 



WORCESTER COUNTY. 23 

the Connecticut. The main branch of the 
Blackstone, and a branch of French River, al- 
so rise in the south part of this town. Paxton 
is a small rough township whose inhabitants, 
except the usual and necessary mechanics for 
a country town, are all of them farmers. The 
population is 613, being the least of any town 
in the county except Ward. 

Petersham. The situation of this town is 
lofty and very beautiful, and its soil is general- 
ly strong and productive. During Shays' In- 
surrection, two days after the dispersion of the 
rebels by General Shepard at Springfield, Gen- 
eral Lincoln arrived there and took the com- 
mand. Shays retreated hastily to Amherst and 
marched to Petersham on the night of the sec- 
ond of February. General Lincoln with the 
forces of the government pressed on closely af- 
ter the insurgents to Amherst, and having put 
his troops in motion at 8 o'clock on the even- 
ing of the second of the month, arrived at Pe- 
tersham at 9 o'clock on the morning of the 
third, having marched 30 miles through deep 

there in Paxton ? What other rivers rise there ? What is 
said of the township and of the employments of the people ? 
Mention the population. 

Wliat are the situation and soil of Petersham 1 Relate the 
events of Shays' Insurrection after the dispersioii of the reb- 

b3 



24 PARTICULAR VIEW OF 

snow, and suffering severely from the intense 
cold. The rebels were near the centre of the 
town and were taken entirely by surprise, and 
150 were made prisoners ; the rest fled precip- 
itately and escaped. This blow against the 
insurrection was decisive, and the government 
met but little further opposition. Population of 
Petersham 1626. 

Princeton. This township was partly taken 
from Rutland and partly made up of some lands 
in the neighbourhood which belonged to the 
state. It is famous for its fine farms and for 
the excellent cattle raised upon them. The 
farmers of this town are not surpassed by those 
of any other in the county in the enterprise which 
prompts to, and the sagacity which invents, im- 
provements in agriculture. Wachusett Mountain 
lies in the northwest part of the township and is 
the highest land in the state east of the Green 
Mountains. It is a little more than 3000 feet 
above the level of the sea, and rises without any 
very steep ascent about 1900 feet higher than 
the surrounding country. 

els at Sprinylield. What was the consequence of the de- 
feat of the rebels in this town ? What is the population ? 

What was once the name of Phillipston, and why was it 
changed ? What is said of the soil and surface of the town- 
ship ? Mention the population. 

To what did Princeton formerly belong ? What is said of 
the farms and farmers of the town ? Describe Wachusett 



WORCESTER COUNTY. 25 

The sides of the mountain are generally cov- 
ered with wood, which gradually dwindles in 
size towards the top till it becomes mere shrub- 
ery ; and on the summit vegetation almost en- 
tirely ceases. Wachusett gives to the spectator 
upon its summit a view of the country from 30 
to 50 miles on every side. The principal riv- 
ers and ponds of the county, and many of the 
towns and villages are presented very distinctly 
to the naked eye. Population 1261. 

Phillipston. This town was once called Ger- 
ry in honour of Governour Gerry of this state. 
At a time of violent contention between the 
Republicans and Federalists, Governour Gerry 
who was a Republican, became very unpopular 
here, and the name of the town was changed to 
Phillipston. The surface of the township is 
uneven, but the lands are well watered and 
productive. Population 916. 

Royalston. This township was granted by 
the General Court to a number of persons, and 
from respect for one of them, Mr. Royal, it re- 
ceived its name. It occupies the northwesterly 
corner of th is county, lying upon Miller's River 

Mountain. What account is given of the wood on its sides ? 
Of the prospect from the summit ? What is the population 
of the town ? 

What mention is made of the history of Royalston ? What 
is the situation of the town ? What is said of the streams of 



26 PARTICULAR VIEW OF 

and having rich meadow lands on its tributary 
waters. Several small streams, one of which 
has upon it a perpendicular fall of twenty feet, 
and descends one hundred feet in 40 rods, unite 
and form TuUy River, which pours into Miller's 
River a great quantity of water. There are im- 
portant manufacturing works in Royalston and 
1424 inhabitants. 

Rutland is an ancient town and once em- 
braced the townships of Hubbardston, Barre, 
Oakham, and a part of Princeton. The Indi- 
ans came upon the town twice in the course of 
one year, killing several of the inhabitants, and 
among them the minister of the place. Rut- 
land lies upon very high land and of course has 
no very large streams. Its waters form a con- 
siderable source of Ware River, and afford 
power for several mills, clothiers' works, and a 
trip hammer. The people are almost wholly 
employed in agriculture. Population 1262. 

Shreivshury was never a part of any other 
town. The soil of the township befo re its set- 

Royalston? What business is carried on in the place ? What 
is the population ? 

What was once the extent of Rutland ? What mention is 
made of its early history 1 How is the town situated 1 What 
river has one of its sources here, and what works are moved 
by its water power ? What is the business of the people 1 
What is the population ? 

What is said of the early history of Shrewsbury ? What 
was thought of the land of the township before its settle- 



WORCESTER COUNTY. 27 

dement was considered of inferior value, but 
after that time its population rapidly increased. 
The town is very beautifully situated, and large 
swells of excellent and well cultivated land 
greatly adorn its surface. Its waters pass off 
partly to the northeast to join the Merrimack, 
partly by the Blackstone, southeast, to Narra- 
ganset Bay. In the south part of the town 
there is a manufactory in which very excellent 
and valuable razors, penknives, and surgeons' 
instruments are made. The inhabitants of 
Shrewsbury are almost all of them farmers,. 
Population 1458. 

Southhorough was chiefly taken from Marlbo- 
rough, in Middlesex County, and received its 
name from lying in the south part of that an- 
cient town. The surface of the township is 
moderately uneven, and is watered by several 
small streams. Population 1030. 

Southhridge has been very recently separated 
from Sturbridge, and is the youngest town in 
the county. The township is generally rough 

ment ? Give an account of the situation and appearance of 
the town. In what directions do its waters flow ? What ar- 
ticles are manufactured in the town ? How are the people 
employed ? Mention the population. 

What gave Southhorough its name ? What is said of the 
surface of the township ? What is the population ? 

How old is the town of Southbridge compared with other 
towns in the county ? What is said of the surface of the 



28 PARTICULAR VIEW OP 

and unpromising to the farmer, though the 
banks of Q-uineboag River, which passes cen- 
trally through the town, afford fine tracts of in- 
terval land. Two woollen factories of consider- 
able importance have been established in the 
place. Population 1066. 

Spencer, once a part of Leicester, is an agri- 
cultural town. Its lands are rough and uneven, 
though they yield to the farmers who diligently 
cultivate them, a good subsistence and even af- 
fluence. Population 1548. 

Sterling was for many years a parish of Lan- 
caster. The town has a good soil, but an un- 
even surface, and suffers some inconvenience 
from the scarcity of good mills and mill-sites. 
It has been noted for the manufacture of chairs 
and hats ; about seventy thousand chairs have 
been annually made, and seventeen thousand 
hats, or both together to the value of seventy or 
eighty thousand dollars. Considerable excava- 
tions have been made here in pursuit of sMver 
ore, but with small success. Several speci- 

tovvnship, and of the banks of the Quineboag ? What cloth 
is manufactured here ? Mention the population. 

From what town was Spencer separated '? How are its in- 
habitants employed 1 What is said of the land of the town- 
ship ? Mention the population. 

To what town did Sterling formerly belong ? What is said 
of the soil and surface of the township ? Give an account of 



WORCESTER COUNTY. 29 

lens of interesting minerals are found here and 
ch iron ore, which might be profitably wrought 
v/ere it not for the high price of fuel. Sholan, 
b'achem of the Nashuas, lived in this town. 
After the death of Sholan, this tribe having 
)ined King Philip in the war against the white 
eople, their sachem. Sagamore Sam, was taken 
aptive, carried to Boston and executed. In 
le same war an engagement happened in boats 
n a pond in this town, in which the Indians 
)st 36 killed and prisoners. Population 1710. 
Sturhridge lies in the southwest corner of the 
ounty. This township of land was granted 
y the General Court to several inhabitants 
f Medfield, in Norfolk County, and it was 
ailed for some time New-Medfield. The 
tuineboag River passes through the town and 
ffords convenient water power for several pretty 
xtensive cotton and woollen factories, which 
ave been built here. On the banks of the 
iver are some good interval lands, but the 
)wnship generally is rough and hard to cultivate. 
'opulation 1633. 

le manufactures here. What metals and minerals are men- 
oned ? What Indian chief once lived in the town ? What 
as the fate of his successor? What event in Indian Vi^ar- 
re happened in the town ? Mention the population. 
How is Sturbridnfe situated ? What mention is made of 
s early history? What river passes through the town, and 
ow is its water power employed ? What is said of the land 
"I Sturhridge ? Mention the population. 



30 PARTICULAR VIEW OF 

Sutton formerly embraced Millbury, which' 
now bounds it on the north. It was then the 
second town in population in the county. It 
is still large, though only the sixth in population. 
In the northeast part of the township, where 
the Blackstone River and Canal cross it, there 
is a large manufacturing village. Sutton is 
generally hilly and uneven, though of a good 
soil. It contains excellent granite for building. 
In the southeast part of the town is a deep 
cavern, called Purgatory, evidently produced by 
some violent motion of the earth. Population 
2056. 

Templeton. Certain persons who had fought 
against the Indians in King Philip's war, receiv- 
ed from the General Court this township of land 
for their services. It once contained a small 
part of Gardner and most of Phillipston. Tem-^ 
pleton occupies an elevated tract of land, which 
affords great quantities of excellent pine timber, 
and for grazing particularly, is very productive. 
Yellow ochre is found in considerable quanti- 

What town once belonged to Sutton ? What was then 
the size of Sutton, and what is it now ? What mention is 
made of the northeast part of the town ? What is the sur- 
face of the township ? What valuable material for building 
does Sutton contain ? What natural curiosity 1 What is the 
population of the town 1 

To whom was the land in Templeton given ? What was 
once the extent of the township ? What are the situation 
and productions of Templeton ? What minerals are found 



WORCESTER COUNTY 



31 



3S, and iron ore is seen in the crevices of the 
-cks. An excavation nearly five feet square has 
I !en discovered extending 57 feet into a solid 
y ck. Little is known of it, but it is supposed 
to have been made in search of ore. Population 
1531. 

Upton was taken from Mendon, and Sutton, 
a id Hopkinton, in Middlesex County. It pre- 
nts a varied surface, changing from smooth to 
ruugh, and from hilly to more level ground. It 
is pretty well watered and has generally a pro- 
ductive soil. Population 1038. 

Uxbridge was once a part of Mendon and 

ice it became a town has had Northbridge 

iken from itself. The level part of the town 

his a light soil suited to the production of grain ; 

f:e hills around the plain are moist and better 

lapted to grazing and orcharding. There are 

• the town a quarry of stone, easily wrought 

! d highly valuable, and an iron mine from 

lich ore has been taken in considerable quan- 

ies. Uxbridge enjoys important advantages 

•• e ? What curiosity is there in the town ? Mention the 
julation. 

)f what towns did Upton once form a part ? Describe its 
face. What mention is made of its soil ? What is the 
)ulation of the town ? 

Vhat is said of the history of Uxbridge? What are the 
I and surface of the township ? What quarry and mine are 
nd here ? What great advantages of situation does Ux- 



*^^ PARTICULAR VIEW OF 

in being situated for nearly its whole length on 
the line of the Blackstone River and Canal, 
as well as from the water power of West and 
Mumford Rivers, which here join the Black- 
stone. Much attention has been lately given to 
the manufacture of woollen cloths. The whole 
number of yards made by the extensive works 
here in operation, has been estimated at about 
2500 daily. More recently the manufacture of 
woollens has received a considerable check and 
has been continued with some difficulty and 
trouble. Uxbridge contains a bank, and in 1820 
had 1551 inhabitants, but has now probably a 
much greater number. 

Ward. This township was composed of small 
portions of several of the neighbouring towns, 
and was named in honour of General Ward of 
Shrewsbury. The lands are well watered, and 
though they are uneven the hills are not very 
high. Population 608. I 

WestborougJi lies upon the high lands between | 
Assabet and Blackstone Rivers ; it has fertile 
and extensive interval lands on the Assabet and 

bridge enjoy ? Give an account of the manufactures of tlie 
town. What is said of the population ? 

How was the townsiiip of Ward formed, and for whom 
was it named ? What is said of its surface '! JNlention the 
population. 

What are the situation and soil of Westbuiough ? What 



WORCESTER COUNTY. 33 

is a good agricultural town. In the infancy of 
the settlement eight or ten Indians rushed down 
from a hill upon some persons spreading flax in 
the plain and carried off four boys. Of these 
one was ransomed, another settled in Canada, 
and the remaining two lived and married among 
the Indians. One of these two became the 
chief of a tribe and once returned to his native 
town, and though he had forgotten the English 
language, recollected the house he had lived in 
and some aged people who were then living. 
Population 1326. 

Wcst-Boylston. Quinepoxet and Stillwater 
Rivers unite in the north part of this town, and 
brm the south branch of the Nashua, whose 
)anks here afford broad and productive interval 
mds. The water power of the river is used 
hiefly by two cotton factories, which produce 
very week about three thousand yards of cloth, 
j-'he water which moves the machinery of the 
lower factory is taken from the Nashua and con- 
veyed to the factory by a canal one mile and a 

^remarkable event happened in the early history of this town ? 
What became of the prisoners ? What is related of one of 
them ? Mention the population of the town. 

Oil what rivers is West Boylston situated ? What is said 
of the banks of the Nashua in this town ? What factories 
have been established here ? How is tiie water brought to 
the lower factory ? On what river does the upper factory 



34 PARTICULAR VIEW OF 

half in length. The water power of Stillwater 
River, on which the other factory stands, is 
increased by a canal to it from the Q,uinepoxet, 
just above the meeting of the two streams at 
the factory. 

In the northwest part of the town several 
acres of land were moved four or five feet out 
of place and settled somewhat below the sur- 
rounding grounds by a great earthquake in the 
year 1755. A large crack or fissure in the 
earth was left round the part moved from its 
natural place, and the stumps of trees which hap- 
pened to be standing on the line where the earth 
opened were rent in two, one part being carried 
several feet from the other. Population 886. 

Western was taken partly from Brookfield 
and partly from Brimfield and Palmer, in Hamp- 
den County. It is well watered by Chickopee 
River. Coy's Hill, in the north part of this 
town, affords abundance of granite, being here 
very valuable for building. At the foot of the 
hill, near the river, iron ore is found and a 
mineral spring has been discovered which has 
some visitants. Population 1112. 

stand? Describe the effects of the earthquake in this town 
in 1755. What is the population 1 

To what towns did Western formerly belong ? What is 
said of Coy's Hill ? What are there at the foot of the hill ? 
What is the population ? 



WORCESTER COUNTY. 35 

Westminster lies on very high ground, the 
height of land, indeed, between the Connecticut 
and Merrimack Rivers, to each of which it 
. sends a tributary stream. It is a good grazing 
township with a productive soil, and was origi- 
nally, with seven other townships, granted to a 
great number of people for their services in 
King Philip's war. Population 1634. 

Winchendon. This township was given by 
the General Court to sixty persons, who belonged 
chiefly to Ipswich, in the county of Essex. 
Manbmonack Pond, lying partly in this town 
and partly in New-Hampshire, is the head 
source of Miller's River. Several branches to 
this stream meet here, and the town enjoys 
valuable mill privileges. A mineral and medi- 
cinal spring in Winchendon has long attracted a 
considerable number of visiters. Population 
1263. 

Worcester is the oldest town in the county 
except three, Lancaster, Mendon, and Brook- 
How is Westminster situated? What is said of the town- 
ship and why was it given to its first settlers ? What is the 
population of the town ? 

How did the first settlers of Winchendon obtain their 
land ? From what town did they come ? What large pond 
lies partly in Winchendon ? What river has its head source 
here ? What is said of the medicinal spring here ? Mention 
the population. 

How old is the town of Worcester ? What mention is 



36 PARTICULAR VIEW OF 

field. In its early history the town was once 
abandoned on account of its sufferings and 
dangers fi-om the Indians. The township was 
at first very large, embracing the present town 
of Holden and a part of that of Ward. Quin- 
sigamond, or Long Pond, extends along the 
eastern border of the town four miles, and 
separates it from Shrewsbury. Several small 
streams, on which are situated clothiers' works, 
factories for the manufacture of cotton and 
woollen cloth, paper mills, and numerous other 
mills for different purposes, unite in the town 
and take the name of Blackstone River. On 
the banks of this river has recently been con- 
structed the Blackstone Canal, on which heavy 
articles may be carried in boats between the 
principal village of Worcester and tide water at 
Providence, in the State of Rhode Island. 

When this county was formed Worcester was 
made the shire town ; and has long been the 
chief town in business, wealth, and importance. 
Its growth has been steady and healthy, though 
gradual, for a number of years ; on account of 

made of its early history ? What was its size at first? Where 
is Qiiinsigamond or Long Pond ? What mills and factories 
are there in Worcester ? What river takes its name in this 
town ? Between what two places does the Blackstone Ca- 
nal open .a communication ? 

What is said of the importance of Worcester ? Of its 



WORCESTER COUNTY. 39 

a ton at the mine, and though it has been burn- 
ed in a few places, it has not yet been found so 
pure as to bring it into general use even in the 
immediate neighbourhood. The population of 
Worcester in 1820 was 2962, but it has since 
probably increased to more than 4000. 



GENERAL VIEW OF THE COUNTY. 



Towns. There is in Worcester County one 
town containing, it is supposed, over 4,000 in- 
habitants ; six towns contain more than 2,000 ; 
nineteen over 1500 ; and only 4 towns have 
less than 800 inhabitants. The whole number 
of towns is 54. 

Inhabitants. The whole number of inhabi- 
tants in the county of Worcester is seventy 
three thousand six hundred and twenty five, of 

price of it at the mine ? How -inuch is it used 1 What is the 
population of Worcester ? 



How many towns in Worcester County contain over 4000 
inhabitants ? How many have more than 2000 ? How many 
contain over 1500 ? What is said of four of the towns ? How 
many towns are there in the county ? 

Mention the number of people in Worcester County, 

c2 



40 GENERAL VIEW OF 

whom four hundred and seventy seven are col- 
oured. Till within a few years almost all of 
the people were farmers. The greater part of 
them are so still; and in no county in the "r 
state do the lands and the crops show more in- v 
dustry, better management, or greater success. 
For the last few years many of the inhabitants i 
have been employed in manufactures, especial- 
ly in the south part of the county. Three t 
years ago it was calculated that the woollen c 
cloths annually manufactured in the towns of I 
Mendon, Uxbridge, Northbridge, and Grafton, 1 
were worth considerably more than half a mill- f 
ion of dollars. This was but a small part of F 
the manufactures of the county. Manufactor- r 
ies, principally of cotton or woollen cloths, have 1 
been established in about half of the whole num- 
ber of towns, and have taken up much of the 
capital of the county, and given employment to 
many of the people. 

Rivprs. Assabet River has its chief source i 
in Grafton. As it passes through Northbbor- 

How mariv are coloured J Ho^v were nearly aii the penule 
euiployed a few years ago ? W^liat is said of the greater jrirt 
of them now? Of tlieir lauds and crops? Aientiou ilie 
change that has taken place. Where has this happened >. 
What towns are named, and what is said of them ? H'W 
much is the rest of the county engaged in manufactures ? 
How many towns contain manufactories? What has been 
tiie conse juence of the great number of factories ? 

Where is the greatest source of Assabet River ? What is I 



WORCESTER COUNTY. 



41 



ough it affords there good mill privileges, and 
having received several small streams from that 
town and Berlin, it becomes a considerable 
river as it enters Middlesex County. It after- 
wards unites with Sudbury River and forms 
Concord River, which flows into the Merri- 
mack. 

BlacTcstone River has its chief source in Pax- 
ton, but receives its name in the town of Wor- 
cester, where several of its head branches meet. 
Pursuing a southeasterly course, it is increased 
by several streams, passes into the State of 
Rhode-Island, where it is called Pawtucket or 
Providence River, again receives some tributa- 
ry waters and empties into Narraganset Bay. 
There are fine roads by its side ; and where 
its channel is not steep in its descent, it annu- 
ally spreads over tracts of beautiful and fertile 
interval land. It supplies water power of vast 
importance to the numerous factories on its 
banks both in this state and Rhode-Island. 

said of its course through Northborough ? How is it in- 
creased ? Give an account of it after it has left Worcester 
County. 

Where is the chief source of the Blackstone ? Where 

does it receive its name ? What is its course ? What name 

\ does it take in Rhode-Island ? What mention is made of the 

, --oads by the side of it ? Of its overflowing its banks ? Of its 

A^ater power ? 

c3 



42 GENERAL VIEW OF 

Chickopee River, which rises in Paxton, is 
for a considerable part of its course a sluggish 
stream, bounded by large tracts of meadow 
land ; but just before leaving this county it be 
comes a violent and rapid current. In Hamp 
den County it receives the united waters o 
Swift and Ware Rivers, but still retains it- 
name, though increased by a stream greate: 
than its own. It thence flows west to the Con- 
necticut, having afforded in its course many 
valuable mill privileges. 

French River, which derived its name fron 
the old French settlement mentioned in the ac 
count of Oxford, has its two chief sources ii 
Spencer and Paxton. In Leicester a brool 
passes through Burnt Coat Pond and falls int( 
the branch from Paxton, which then after r- 
short course joins the Spencer branch, an« 
with it receives the name of French River. I' 
takes in general a southerly course, and afte^ 
furnishing considerable water power and re- 
ceiving several tributaries, enters the state of 
Connecticut. There it unites with the Q,uine- 

Describe the Chickopee for a great part of its course 
through this county. What change does it meet with? 
What streams run into it in Hampden County ? Whero 
does it empty ? 

What gave French River its name ? Where are its chie; 
sources ? Wliere do its head waters unite ? Describe it- 
course. 



WORCESTER COUNTY. 37 

its favorable situation, at about equal distances 
from Boston, Providence, and Connecticut Riv- 
er, and from its being the centre of a large, 
populous, and thrifty county, containing its 
public buildings and the residences of its public 
officers. But the present ease of intercourse 
with every part of the country, and especially 
the opening of a water communication with 
Providence by the Blackstone Canal, has given 
a new spring to its business, and not only some- 
what changed, but vastly increased, the trade 
of the place. The large warehouses and stores, 
crowded with every variety of goods for the 
supply of the interior and neighbouring towns, 
begin already to give Worcester the appearance 
and activity of a city. It contains two banks 
and several printing offices. Four newspapers 
are published in the town, weekly ; one of which 
is the oldest in the state but one, and was first 
published in Boston, from whence it was remov- 
ed to Worcester at the breaking out of the 
revolution. 

The principal village of Worcester is built 
chiefly upon one street more than a mile in 

former growtli, and its causes? Of its later ;Trowth, and its 
causes ? Of its present appeamnce and condition ? How 
many banks are there in Worcester ? How many weekly 
newspapers are there published ? What is said of one of 
them? How is the principal village of Worcester built? 



38 PARTICULAR VIEW OF 

length, and situated in a valley opening to the 
south. It is adorned by several churches, nu- 
merous elegant private dwelling-houses, a large 
town-house, and the county court-house. A 
large stone jail and a house of correction built 
of brick stand a few rods from the main street. 
The hall of the American Antiquarian Society 
is a beautiful building, erected at an expense of 
more than ten thousand dollars, and presented 
to the society by Isaish Thomas, LL. D. of Wor- 
cester, who helped to form the society and has 
done it a great deal of good. Besides a museum 
containing a great many old and very curious 
things, the society have now in their hall a 
library of eight thousand volumes of books and 
pamphlets about the history of the country from 
the time it was settled to the present day. 

In the east part of the town a coal mine has 
been discovered and opened in the side of a 
hill at considerable expense. The coal is found 
to grow better the deeper the excavation is made, 
and it is expected that it will be valuable for 
fuel. The coal bears the price of three dollars 

What is said of its private and public buildings ? By 
whom was the hall of the American Antiquarian Society 
erected ? What mention is made of the museum and library 
of the Antiquarian Society ? VVhatmine has been discovered 
in the town ? What is the quality of the coal ? What is the 



WORCESTER COUNTY. 43 

boag, another river of this county, and forms a 
branch of Thames Reiver, which empties into 
Long-Island Sound. 

Mill River flows out of a pond, which lies 
partly in Milford, partly in Hopkinton, and 
partly in Upton. It runs southwardly, forming 
the boundary for several miles between Mil- 
ford and Upton, and empties into Blackstone 
River in the state of Rhode-Island, a short dis- 
tance from the boundary line of Massachusetts. 

Miller's River has its chief source in Mano- 
monack pond lying partly in Winchendon but 
mostly in the state of New-Hampshire. The 
small stream flowing from this pond unites with 
several others in Winchendon and receives the 
name of Miller's River. The stream runs 
towards the west rippling over its broad and 
rocky bed with a descent generally equal, and 
passes into the Connecticut through a mouth of 
high, rough ledges of rocks. The rapids in 
the river supply much valuable water power, 
which is extensively used for mills and factories. 
Mulpus River rises in the high lands in 
Fitchburg, Ashby, and Lunenburg, and passing 

Where does Mill River rise ? Describe ils course. Where 
does it empty ? 

What is the chief source of Miller's River ? Where does 
the river take its mime ? Describe its course. Of what ad- ■ 
vantage are the rapids in the river ? 



44 GENERAL VIEW OF 

eastwardly through Lunenburg and Shirley, en- 
ters the Nashua from a third to half a mile 
south of the Squanicook. It is a considerable 
stream, and there are several mills npon it near 
its mouth. 

Mumford River draws its waters chiefly from 
two ponds, one in Douglas and the other on the 
boundary line between Douglas and Sutton. It 
runs in a very circuitous course through Doug- 
las and Northbridge, having in many places 
broad and excellent interval lands upon its 
banks, and flows into the Blackstone in Ux- 
bridge. 

Nashua River. The north branch of this 
river has its sources in Westminster and Wa- 
chusett Ponds in Westminster, and furnishes 
very important mill privileges. The south 
branch of the Nashua is formed in West Boyls- 
ton by the union of the Q,uinepoxet from Pax- 
ton and Stillwater River from Notown ; it 
furnishes valuable water power and meets the 
north branch in Lancaster. Thence the united 

Where are the sources of .^lulpus River ? Where does the 
river empty ? What is said of it ? 

Wha.t are the sources of JMumford River? What is its 
course ? Where does it empty ? 

What account is given of the north branch of the Nash- 
ua? Wliat rivers unite to form the south branch? Where 
do the two branches of the Nashua meet ? What is the 



WORCESTER COUNTY. 45 

Stream pursues a northerly course out of this 
county, cuts off a corner of Middlesex County, 
enters New-Hampshire, and after running a 
short distance falls into the Merrimack. 

The Nashua has in some places a gentle 
current, and there overflows and enriches every 
year its broad and beautiful intervals ; and in 
some places it makes a rapid descent, supplying 
abundant water power to a great many large 
manufacturing establishments situated on its 
banks. 

Otter River rises in the swamps of Westmin- 
ster, is increased by a branch from Templeton 
and by several other small streams ; having 
formed for some distance the boundary line 
between Templeton and Gardner, it flows in a 
northwesterly direction and joins Miller's River. 

Quinehoag River rises in the State of Con- 
necticut, and flows in a northerly course into 
Massachusetts, afterwards in a southeasterly, 
and then in a southerly, direction. Having 
crossed the southeast corner of Hampden Coun- 
ty and the southwestern of Worcester, it again 

course of the united stream? Where does it empty ? Des- 
cribe the Nashua in different parts of its course. 

Where are the sources of Otter River ? What is its 
course ? Where does it empty ? 

Where does Quinehoag River rise 1 In what direction 



46 GENERAL VIEW OF 

enters Connecticut, receives French River,, 
unites with the Shetucket to form the Thames, 
and at length finds its way into Long Island 
Sound, which lies south of the State of Con- 
necticut. 

Tally River. Several small streams rising 
in New-Hampshire and running rapidly in a 
southerly direction through fertile meadows^ 
flow together in Royalston and form Tully 
River, which empties into Miller's River in. 
Athol, and greatly increases its waters. 

Ware River finds its chief sources in Phil- 
lipston and Hubbardston, and is increased by 
several small streams from Barre. It takes a 
southwesterly course, receives Swift River, and 
in Hampden County unites with the Chickopee.. 
Ware River is in this county a fine stream, 
changing every few miles from a gentle current 
to a falling and rapid torrent. 

West River rises in Upton and Grafton, and 
flowing southeasterly becomes the boundary 

does it flow ? With what rivers does it unite, and where 
does it empty ? 

Where do the branches of Tully River rise, and where do 
they meet 1 Into what river does it flow ? 

Where are the sources of Ware River ? What is its 
course ? With what rivers does it unite ? Describe Ware 
River in this county. 

Where are the sources of West River ? What is its 
course ? Into what does it empty ? 



WORCESTER COUNTY. 47 

line between Upton and Northbridge. It after- 
wards turns to the south and runs into the 
Blackstone in Uxbridge. 

The rivers of Worcester County, though 
small compared with some others in the state, 
are very numerous. Those that have been 
described are only a part of the whole number 
of streams, which issue from ponds and springs, 
and not only serve to water the whole surface 
of the county, but by their rapid currents and 
steep descents supply innumerable places for 
those small mills, such as saw and grist mills, 
which are necessary to the convenience of the 
people of every town. 

Ponds are found in almost every town in the 
county. They are commonly supplied with 
water by springs at the bottom, and send forth 
small streams throughout the year to increase 
the neighbouring rivers. The country is great- 
ly adorned by these numerons ponds with their 
pleasant borders and their generally clear wa- 
ters. 

How large aro the rivers of Worcester County compared 
with some others in the state ? A.re they few or numerous ? 
Give an account of their benefits. 

How numerous are the ponds in Worcester County? 
How are they supplied with water ? What becomes of their 
waters ? What is their effect upon the appearance of the 
countrv ? 



48 GENERAL VIEW OF 

The Blackstone Canal extends from Worces- 
ter to Providence, in the State of Rhode Island, 
a distance of about 40 miles ; and for nearly 
two thirds of its length lies within Worcester 
County. It is IS feet wide at the bottom and 
36 at the top of the banks, which are 6 feet 
high. It follows the course of Blackstone Riv- 
er, being built for a part of its length on one 
side of the river and then for another portion on 
the other side, crossing it three several times. 
It passes near all the great manufacturing estab- 
lishments in the valley of the Blackstone, and 
affords great advantages for carrying heavy 
articles to and from the head of navigation on 
Providence River. 

Mountains. The only elevation which can 
properly be called a mountain is W^achusett, 
and this has been fully described in the account 
of Princeton, where it is situated. The surface 
of the county is uneven, and rises above the 
surrounding country, as may be supposed from 
the course of the streams, which flow from the 

What towns are at the extremities of the Blackstone Ca- 
nal ? What is the distance from one to the other ? What 
part of the course of the canal lies within Worcester Coun- 
ty ? What is its width ? Describe its course. For what is 
it used ? 

What mountain is there in VVorcester County ? What is | 
th-i surface of the county ? What should lead us to suppose- 
Worcester County higher than the country around it? In 



WORCESTER COUNTY, 



49 



county in all directions. A ridge of highlands 
extends through the county from northeast to 
southwest, through the towns of Ashburnham, 
Westminster, Princeton, Rutland, Oakham, 
Brookfield, Western, and Sturbridge. This 
ridge divides the waters of Worcester County, 
and sends a part through different channels 
down its western side to the Connecticut, and 
a part from the north and east to the Merrimack ; 
while the rivers of the south flow south through 
Rhode-Island into Narragansett Bay, and 
through the State of Connecticut into Long- 
Island Sound. As the streams are generally 
small so the intervals upon their banks are nar- 
row, and broken by hills extending even to 
their sides and beyond their currents. The 
broadest and best interval lands in the county 
are upon the banks of the Nashua. The swells 
of highland are generally fit for tillage, and 
though harder to cultivate than the intervals, 
yield abundant crops of grass, corn, and English 
grain. 

what direction does a ridge of highlands pass through the 
county ? Where do the rivers of the west empty 7 Of the 
north and east ? Of the south ? What is said of the banks of 
the streams f Where are the best interval lands ? What are 
the productions of the high lands ? 



•50 GENERAL VIEW OF 

History. Two hundred years ago all Wor- 
cester County was covered by one great forest 
except some small tracts of interval and meadow 
land and a few spots cleared by the Indians. 
Wolves, bears, and savages were the inhabitants. 
White people first came to live in this part of 
the country in 1643. They settled at Lancas- 
ter, having been invited there by the chief of a 
tribe of Indians in that neighbourhood. Some 
years after Brookfield and Mendon were settled; 
and next the settlement of the town of Worces- 
ter took place, about 40 years after that of 
Lancaster. The Nipmuck Indians lived in 
the south part of this county, the Quaboags at 
Brookfield, and the Nashuas at Lancaster and 
Sterling. The Indians were so friendly to 
their white neighbours that they were always 
doing them acts of kindness. Soon after the 
people from England, our forefathers, had come 
to this country, they were in want of bread, 
and one of the Indians to relieve them carried 
a bushel and a half of corn on his back all the 
way from the south part of t his county to Boston. 
Describe the surface of VV^orcester County as it was two 
hundred years ago. By what was it inhabited? What hap- 
pened in 1643 ? Where did white people first settle ? What 
towns were next settled? When was Worcester settled? 
Where did the different tribes of Indians live at that time ? 
What was their disposition towards the white inhabitants ? 
How did one of them show his friendly feelings towards the 
first settlers ? 



WORCESTER COUNTY. 51 

After a time, however, the Indians, finding the 
white people spreading fast over the country; - 
were afraid they should lose by degrees their 
settlements, their hunting grounds, and their 
good places for fishing. In 1675 the different 
tribes, persuaded by King Philip, a famous chief, 
fell furiously on the settlements of the white 
people ; and in the course of the war, which 
lasted a little more than a year, destroyed the 
only three towns then in this county, besides 
doing a great deal of hurt in other parts of 
New-England. 

There were other wars with the Indians 
after that time, in which this part of the country 
suflfered a great deal. But a peace having been 
made with them in 1726, they caused but little 
trouble afterwards. The settlement of this re- 
gion then went on with great rapidity. In five 
years, or in 1731, fourteen towns, which had 
before belonged to the counties of Middlesex, 
Suff"olk, and Hampshire, were united together 
as the county of Worcester. 

Why did the [ndians become less friendly to the white 
people? What happened in 1675? How long did the war 
coutiiiue ? What hurt did the Indians do in the course of it ? 

What misfortunes afterwards happened to the county ? 
What was the consequence of the peace in 1726 ? How fast 
was the county settled after that time ? When was Worces- 
ter made a separate county ? Of how many towns did it 



52 tVORCESTER COUNTY. 

Worcester County has grown so rapidly that, 
though there are nine older counties in the 
state, this was in 1820 the second in population, 
and is now without doubt the first. It is also 
much the largest county in Massachusetts, and 
contains more land than the whole State of 
Rhode Island. It can send five senators and 
eighty one representatives to the General Court, 
and has great influence in the affairs of the 
state. 

then consist ? How rapid has been the growth of this coun- 
ty ? What is said of its extent ? How many senators and rep- 
resentatives can it send to the General Court ? 



REVIEW OF THE COUNTY. 



Draw the north line of Worcester County from Royalstore 
to Harvard. Draw the east line. South. West. How is the 
county bounded on the north 1 On the east ? South ? West ? 

Draw Miller's River without its branches. In what direc- 
tion does it flow ? What mills and factories are there upon it ? 

[If the places of the falls, mills, and factories on a river 
are not recollected by the pupil, let him observe on the map 
through what towns the river passes and refer to the accounts 
of those towns in his geography.] 

At what town does Miller's River leave the county? 
Where does the river empty ? Draw the branches of Miller's 
River coming from the north. What falls are there upon 
either of them ? Mark Tully River. Draw the branches of 
Miller's River flowing from the south. Mark Otter River. 

Draw Swift River. In what direction does it flow ? 

Draw Ware River and its branches. Name its principal 
branches. In what direction does Ware River flow? Into 
what stream does it empty ? 

Draw Chickopee River and its branches. Name its prin- 
cipal branches. In what direction does the Chickopee flow ? 
Into what river does it empty ? What do you recollect of 
the land on its banks ? 

Draw Quineboag River and its branches. In what state 
does it rise ? Describe its course. 

Draw French River and its branches. Mark Rawson 
Brook. What mills and factories are there on French River ? 
What gave this river its name ? In what direction does it 
flow? 

Draw Rlackstone River without its branches. What mills 
and factories are there upon it ? Draw the head brances of 
the river. Name the principal. Draw the branches of 
Blackstone River flowing into it on the eastern side. Mark 
West River. Mark Mill River. Draw the branches on the 
west side. Mark Mumford River, What do you recollect of 



54 REVIEW OF THE COUNTY. 

the land on its banks ? In what direction does Blacksto-^ 
River flow ? Where does it leave the county ? Where do ■ 
it empty 1 

Draw Charles River for the first part of its course. 

Draw the branch of Sudbury River in Worcester Countv 

Draw Assabet River and its branches. Name its chi 
branches. What mills or factories are there upon Assab> 
River? In what direction does it flow? Where does,, 
empty ? 

Draw the north branch of Nashua River without its sma 
tributary streams. What falls, mills, and factories are the' . 
upon it ? Draw the small tributary streams flowing into . 
on the north side. Name the principal. Draw those on tl 
south side. Name the principal. Draw the south branch 
the Nashua with its tributary streams. Mark Still Rive 
Mark the Quinepoxet. What mills and factories are the 
on the south branch of the Nashua and its tributary streams ' 
What do you recollect of the land on its banks? Draw 
Nashua River and its tributary streams from the meeting of 
its branches in Lancaster. Mark Miilpus River. What is 
the course of the Nashua ? Into what river does it empty ? 

Mark the situation of Manomonack Pond. Of Upper and 
Lower Naukeag Ponds. Of Quaboag Pond. What do you 
recollect of this pond ? Mark Podunk Pond. Mark Chab- 
anakongkomun Pond. Mark Quinsigamond or Long Pond. 
What do you recollect respecting it ? Mark Westminster 
Pond. Wachusett Pond. 

Draw the Blackstone Canal. In what town does it com- 
mence ? At what town does it leave the county ? To what 
place does it extend ? What is its length ? How much of 
it lies within Worcester County? Of what use ii it ? 

Mark the situation of Wachusett Mountain ? What do 
you recollect of its height ? Of the trees on its sides ? VV^hat is 
the next highest elevation after Wachusett ? Mark and 
name the towns which contain the hills belonging to the 
ridge of highlands in Worcester County. How high is the 
land in this county compared with the country around ? 

Draw the town of Worcester. What do you recollect of 
the importance of Worcester ? What public buildings are 
there in the town ? What mine ? 

Draw Lancaster. How old is the town of Lancaster? 
What quarry is there in the town ? Give an account of the 
attack on that town by the Indians, and of the captivity of 
Mrs. Rowlandson. Which way is Lancaster from Worcester? 



REVIEW OF THE COTJNTT. 65 

Draw Mendon. Why was the town once abandoned ? 
What advantages has it as a manufacturing place ? How- 
important is the town in regard to manufactures? Which 
way is it from Lancaster' 

Draw Royalston. Which way is it from Worcester? 
Draw Brooklield. What do you recollect of its history ? 
Draw Oxford. What white people first lived in this town 7 
Which way is Oxford from Worcester ? 

Draw Westborough. What do you recollect of the four 
boys taken captive in this town by the Indians ? Which way 
is VVestborough from Brookfield ? 

Draw Fitchburg. What mention was made of RoUstone 
Hill in the account of this town ? 

Draw Leominster. What articles are manufactured in 
Leominster ? Which way is Leominster from Mendon 1 
From Dudley ? 

Draw Bolton. What do you recollect of the manner of 
making lime ? Which way is Bolton from Worcester ? From 
Charlton ? From Harvard 7 

Draw Harvard. Give some account of the Shakers in 
this town. 

Mark the situation of Ashburnhara. Uxbridge. Which 
way is Uxbridge from Lancaster ? 

Mark Sturbridge. Barre. New-Braintree. For what are 
the two last towns distinguished ? 

What towns in the county contain academies ? 
[The review of towns may be extended at the discretion 
of the teacher.] 

What town in Worcester County contains four thousand 
inhabitants ? How many have over two thousand ? How 
many have more than fifteen hundred ? How many towns 
are there in the county? What do you recollect of the 
employments of the people in the county ? 

What was the situation of Worcester County before white 
people settled here ? By what was the county inhabited ? 
Where did white people first make a settlement ? What 
other towns were settled before Worcester ? How were the 
Indians disposed towards their white neighbours ? How fast 
has the county of Worcester increased ? How large is it ? 



EXPLANATIONS OF WORDS AND PHRASES AS 
THEY ARE USED IN THIS BOOK. 



Abandon. To leave, give up. 

Affluence. Wealth, riches. 

Aggregate. Aggregate capital is the capital of several com- 
panies added together. 

Agricultural. An agricultural town is one in which the peo- 
ple are farmers. 

Agriculture. The tilling or cultivation of the ground. 

Annually. Every year. 

Artificial. Made by man, not natural. 

Assaulted. Rushed upon with violence. 

Bogs. Soft, swampy, and muddy places. 

Bookbinding. Sewing and pressing the leaves of a book 
together, and putting covers upon the outside. 

Boundary line. The place where towns or states meet, as 
the dotted line between the towns on the map. 

Branch. A branch of a river is a small stream which flows 
into it. 

Canal. A long, broad trench or ditch dug in the earth and 
filled with water to be conveyed to some place where it is 
wanted, or used to float boats upon 

Capital. The amount of money or property used in busi- 
ness by a man or company of men. 

Ceyi^us. The counting of the people in the United States, 
which takes place every ten years. 

Centrally. Through the middle. 

Centre. The middle part. 

Circuitous. Going a long way round. 

Clothiers' works. Mills in which cloth is made thicker, col- 
oured, and dressed. 

Combustibles. Things easily set on fire. 

Communication. Passing from one place to another. 

Company. A number of persons who agree together to lay 
out money for some purpose. 

Composed of. Made up of. 



DEFINITIONS. 



57 



Copperplate. Look for the definition of Engravings. 
Cowifi/. A county is made up of several towns united by 
law. A county owns some property and has one or more 
towns with a court-house and jail, called shire-towns. 
Court-House. A building belonging to the county and in 
which the courts meet to try people for breaking the laws. 
Crevices. Cracks or openings. 
Cultivated. Tilled 5 or ploughed, planted, hoed and taken 

care of. 
Current. A running stream. 

Dispersion. A scattering, driving in different directions. 
Distinguished. Noted or famous. 
Elevated. High. 

Engravings. Pictures drawn with a sharp pointed piece of 
steel on a smooth flat piece of copper or steel. Tlie marks 
being filled up with ink, and a sheet of paper being pres- 
sed on the picture, the picture is taken off upan the paper by 
means of the ink. Taking the pictures oif upon paper is 
called copperplate printing. 
Excavations. Holes dug in the earth. 
Executed. Hung. 
Factory. A building in which cloth and sometimes other 

things are made. 
Falls. Places where a river descends suddenly from one 

place to another considerably lower. 
Fertile. Rich, bearing good crops. 
Forest. A tract of wild, woody land. 

Fortified. Made strong so that those inside have the advan- 
tage of an enemy outside. 
Furids. Money or property. 

Garrisons. Houses or forts made so strong that an enemy 
cannot get in. and having soldiers to defend them : some- 
times it means the soldiers in such places. 
General Court. A large number of persons are chosen by 
the people every year, some for the towns, and a few for the 
counties, to make laws or rules to prevent people from do- 
ing wrong or to punish them if they do 5 just as the school- 
master or mistress makes rules for the school. The per- 
sons chosen go to Boston twice a year to meet togetlier. 
Those chosen for counties are called Senators and when 
they are together form what is called tlie .Senate. Those 
for the towns are called Representatives and when col- 
lected form the House oi' Representatives. Both togeth- 
er form the General Court. 
Gore. A gore of land is a three cornered tract. 



5S 



DEFINITIONS. 



Government. Persona appointed to rule the people and to 

keep order. 
Gradual. Ratlier slow. 

Granite. A coarse kind of light coloured stone. 
Grazing. Pasturing j good grazing land is land used for 

pasturing cattle. 
Gnst-mill. A mill in which corn and other grain is ground 

into meal. 
Hermit. One who lives alone, at a distance from other peo- 
ple. 
Hospitable. Kind in receiving people into their houses and 

in their treatment of them. 
Hostility. Enmity. 
House of Correction. A place where bad and disorderly 

people are kept and made to work. 
Increased. Grown larger. 

Incursion. The rushing of an enemy into a town or settle- 
ment. 
Inhabitants. The people living in a place. 
Insurgents. Persons who use force agamst the execution of 

the laws. 
Imurrection. An attempt of a great many people to prevent 

by force the execution of a law. 
Interiour. The inner part, or that not on the outside. 
Interval. Land lying in a valley. 
Iron loorks. Buildings in which iron is cast or worked into 

various useful articles. 
Ledges. Great rocks rising one upon another. 
Letter-press. Letter-press printing is printing with types 

what was before written. 
Machinery. Machines are instruments doing the work of 

men, and used in factories. 
Manufactory. A building in which things are made by hand 

or by machinery. 
^Manufactured. Made by hand or machinery. 
Manufacturing. Manuf'irturing towns or works are those 

in which cloth and sometimes other things are made. 
Market. A place where things are bought and sold. 
3Iechanical. Mechanical business is employment in making 

with tools things tor the convenience of men, as shoemak- 

ing, chairmaking, bricklaying. 
Mechanics. Those persons who work at trades with tools, 

as carpenters, wheelwrights, and saddlers. 
Medicinal rrpring. A spring whose waters are useful as a 

medicind. 



DEFINITIONS. 59 

Mill privilege. A place or a stream where there is water 

power enough to carry a mill. 
Mine. A place in the earth, where gold or silver, iron or 

lead, or coal is found. 
Mineral. A stone or earthy substance ; generally it means 

one of an uncommon or valuable kind. 
Mountain. Very high land, higher than a hill. 
Museum. A collection of curiosities. 
Navigation. The head of navigation is that place in a river 

which is as high as vessels can go, the water not being 

deep enough tor them to go up any further. 
Noted. Famous. 

Ocean. An immense collection of water, a great deal lar- 
ger than a river or a sea or any other collection of water. 
Ochre. A kind of earth used for making coarse paint. 
Operation. In operation means having their works going on. 
Ore. Iron is at first commonly found mixed with earth and 

stones 5 it then looks like stone, and is called iron ore. 
Originally . At first. 
Parish. A part of a town where the people live who 

belong to one church. 
Perpendicular. Straight up and down. 
Persecuted. Not let alone, but ill treated. 
Pond. A small collection of water surrounded by land, 
Population. The whole number of inhabitants in a place. 
Populous. Containing a great many inhabitants. 
Productive. Fruitful, yielding well. 
Quarried. Split or dug from the earth. 
Quarry. A place where stone may be split or dug out of 

the earth. 
Range. A great many in a row. 
Ransomed. Bought back with a price. 
Reside. Live. 
Residences. The residences of people are the houses 

where they live. 
Revolution. A change made by the people by violent 

m.eans in their form of government, or the war by which 

this is done. 
Ridge. A ridge of hills is a number of them rising one af- 
ter another for a considerable distance. 
Rippling. Bubbling and making a small noise as it strikes 

the rocks. 
River. A large stream of water flowing through the country. 
Sagacity. Quickness of thought or invention. 
Saw mill. A mill in which timber and boards are sawed. 



60 DEFINITIONS. 

Scalped. Having the skin cut from the top of the head 
with the hair on it. 

School district. All the families in a certain part of a town 
send their children to the same school ; all those in an- 
other part send their children to another school. These 
parts of a town are called school districts. 

Sect. A sect of christians means a number of christians 
who think alike about religion. 

Services . Work or labour, as that of soldiers in war. 

Settled. First taken by white people to live in. 

Settlement. A place in which white people lived. 

Smelted. When iron ore is heated so that the iron melts 
and is obtained by itself, it is said to be smelted. 

Soap stone. A kind of stone so soft that it can be sawed or 
cut almost as easily as wood. Handsome jambs and 
mantel pieces are made out of it. 

Society. A number of people who have agreed to meet 
together at certain times and do other things together. 

Solitary. Without any other near it. 

Source. The source of a river is the spring or pond where 
the river begins its course. 

Spectator. One who is observing and looking around. 

Surface. The outside or top; the surface of a town is the 
top of the ground in the town. 

Surgeons. Doctors who cure wounds or set bones that are 
broken or out of joint. 

Stirpassed. Excelled. 

Territory. Land ; the territory of a town is the land with- 
in its boundaries. 

Thrifty. Saving money and growing rich. 

Tide. On the sea coast the waters are continually rising or 
falling. For six hours in succession they are swelling 
and spreading over the shores. This is called the flowing 
of the tide. B'or the next six hours, they lessen and 
pass off. This is called the ebbing of the tide. The two 
regularly succeed each other. 

Torrent. A stream running violently. 

Township. That portion of the earth's surface within the 
boundaries of a town. 

Tract. A piece of land of considerable extent. 

Tributary streams. Small streams running into larger ones. 

Trip hammer. A large hammer, moved by water power and 
used for beating into shape large and heavy articles of iron. 

Unfortified. Having had nothing done to make it strong 
and safe against enemies. 



DEFINITIONS. 61 



Unpopular. Disliked by the people. 

Vegetation. The growing of trees and plants. 

Vicinity. Neighbourhood. 

Village. That part of a town which is thickly settled. 

Warehouses. Buildings in which goods are kept. 

WaiTiors. Indians used to fighting in war. 

Water-power. The force with which water descends from 
a high to a lower place, and which by being applied to 
the turning of a wheel may set machinery in motion. 

Wilderness. Wild land. 



/y 



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LANCASTER; 

KEEP ALWAYS FOR SALE, AT BOSTON PRICES, 

The various SCHOOL BOOKS used in 

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SUCH AS 

Worcester's, Cummings', Woodbridge's, Good- 
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and History, and Cununings' First Lessons. 

Colburn's, Smith's, Robinson's, Adams', and 

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